'You Fear Eggs? Our Freedom Fighters Took Bullets': SC Refuses To Entertain Mahua Moitra's Plea in Hate Speech Case

The Supreme Court of India (bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu) refused to entertain Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra’s plea challenging a Calcutta High Court order that directed her to appear in person before the investigating officer in a hate speech/provocative remarks case. Her counsel then withdrew the petition, and it was dismissed as withdrawn.

Moitra (via senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan) sought permission for a virtual appearance, citing security concerns. She pointed to prior incidents in her Krishnanagar constituency where there were threats of eggs being thrown and actual egg-pelting (linked to political confrontations after the BJP came to power in West Bengal). The lawyer argued she had a legal right to appear virtually and that the police notice required her presence at a station in her own constituency.

The Court was not inclined to intervene. Justice Datta remarked: “You are a Member of Parliament? Having taken the plunge into politics, you fear eggs? When our freedom fighters have taken bullets on their chest? These are applications that should not come before this court at all.” The bench indicated the matter did not warrant Supreme Court interference and that any further grievance could be raised before the High Court.

Background on the case

The FIR (registered at Hogalbaria/Hogolberia police station in Nadia district on a BJP leader’s complaint) relates to social media videos/posts by Moitra alleged to hurt religious sentiments or promote enmity. The Calcutta High Court had earlier granted her interim protection from coercive action (until around October 5) while directing personal appearance before the IO (around August 14). Moitra has described the charges as fabricated.